Cognitive Linguistics: An Introduction

PART I: OVERVIEW OF THE COGNITIVE LINGUISTICS ENTERPRISE; 1. What does it Mean to Know a Language?; 2. The Nature of Cognitive Linguistics: Assumptions and Commitments; 3. Universals and Variation in Language, Thought and Experience; 4. Language in Use: Grammar, Language Change and Acquisition; PART II: COGNITIVE SEMANTICS; Introduction; 5. What is Cognitive Semantics?; 6. Embodiment and Conceptual Structure; 7. The Encyclopaedic View of Meaning; 8. Categorisation and Idealised Cognitive Models; 9. Metaphor and Metonymy; 10. Word Meaning and Radial Categories; 11. Meaning Construction and Mental Spaces; 12. Conceptual Blending; 13. Cognitive Semantics in Context; PART III: COGNITIVE APPROACHES TO GRAMMAR; Introduction; 14. What is a Cognitive Approach to Grammar?; 15. The Conceptual Basis of Grammar; 16. Cognitive Grammar: Word Classes; 17. Cognitive Grammar: Constructions; 18. Cognitive Grammar: Grounding the Clause; 19. Motivating a Construction Grammar; 20. The Architecture of Construction Grammars; 21. Grammaticalisation; 22. Cognitive Approaches to Grammar in Context; PART IV. CONCLUSION; 23. Assessing the Cognitive Linguistics Enterprise.

Vyvyan Evans is Professor of Linguistics at Bangor University. He was previously Professor of Cognitive Linguistics at the University of Brighton and has also taught at the University of Sussex, Georgetown University, and the University of Florida.

I whole-heartedly congratulate Evans & Green for their laborious work and, accordingly, recommend it to be used as a textbook ! indispensable reading LINGUIST list This massive yet reasonably priced book provides a very useful guide to major parts of the 'cognitive' strand of linguistics and I have no doubt that every cognitive linguist will want it as a reference book. Times Higher Education Supplement This book provides a clear, careful and comprehensive introduction to what the authors call the 'cognitive linguistics enterprise', including cognitive semantics and cognitive grammar, synchronic and diachronic approaches, linguistic and socio-cultural perspectives, universal and language specific matters, older topics such as prototype theory, newer ones, such as blending and much more. The approach adopted is problem oriented rather than theory oriented. This means that cognitive, formal and functional approaches are not pitted against each other but are instead pitted against problems that have to be solved. This approach will draw readers into a learning process that will keep them interested in cognitive linguistics well beyond this book. -- Dr Brigitte Nerlich, University of Nottingham Its breadth is unparalleled; the incorporation of exercises is a definite strength as well Cognitive Linguistics An extremely valuable introduction to the increasing field of cognitive linguistics. The reader is made familiar with the basic principles that underlie the cognitive enterprise and with the vast range of approaches within this field. Constructions The book offers a thorough, well-organized, clearly-written and engaging overview of cognitive linguistics which makes it suitable to serve as a textbook or as a reference tool. International Cognitive Linguistics Association Website I whole-heartedly congratulate Evans & Green for their laborious work and, accordingly, recommend it to be used as a textbook ! indispensable reading This massive yet reasonably priced